Coalition Calls On Lawmakers To Override Hogan's Veto Of Public Transit Bill
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Legislators, advocates, business representatives and bus riders are calling on the Maryland General Assembly to override Gov. Larry Hogan's veto of the Maryland Transit Safety & Investment Act.
The act, which aims to improve public transportation throughout the state, had its first reading in January. But after passing both the House and Senate, the legislation fell victim to the governor's veto in May.
Supporters of the bipartisan legislation plan to hold a news conference on Wednesday to drum up support for an effort to overturn Hogan's veto.
The bill would eliminate the Maryland Transit Administration's $2 billion maintenance backlog by spending $462 million each year for repairs, plus an additional $100 million for enhancements.
In a letter to House Speaker Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson, Hogan wrote he vetoed the legislation after the COVID-19 pandemic impacted state revenues, saying the losses underscored the need for the Maryland Department of Transportation to have financial flexibility.
Early supporters of the bill include Sen. Cory McCray, Del. Brooke Lierman, Sen. Craig Zucker and Greater Baltimore Committee CEO Donald Fry, among others.
The public call to override the governor's veto is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday and can be accessed via Zoom.
An override vote is expected to follow during the General Assembly's special session, which is scheduled to begin on Dec. 6.
